WESTMINSTER

Councilwoman Margaret Shillington resigned her seat Monday, citing a need to spend more time with her family. The vacancy created by her move occurs only one week after incumbent Councilman Tony Lam appeared to have lost his seat by a narrow margin to attorney Kermit Marsh, although the final tally is not in yet.

According to City Manager Don Vestal, the council has the option to either appoint someone to fill the vacancy within 30 days or arrange for a special election to be held 114 days after it is called. Shillington, halfway through her first term, had also earlier withdrawn from this year’s mayoral race, citing family health reasons.